Threads is testing a Meta AI integration that allows users to mention the AI directly in posts and replies to get real-time context about trends and breaking news. The feature entered beta testing in May 2026 across five markets: Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina, and Singapore.
Users with public accounts can tag Meta AI with questions such as “Why are people talking about the World Cup this month?” or “How are the Knicks doing in the playoffs?” Meta AI then processes the request and responds as a public reply posted by the @meta.ai account, responding in the same language used in the original post.
Meta told TechCrunch the feature is designed to help users get real-time context about trends and breaking stories, as well as receive recommendations, all without leaving the app. The integration positions Threads as a place to both discuss and look up information within the same conversation.
The approach is similar to how Grok functions on X, where users frequently invoke the AI chatbot to fact-check or explain content. Meta acknowledged that giving an AI this level of visibility carries risks — Grok notably generated posts praising Hitler — but said Meta AI has stronger safeguards in place. Whether those safeguards will prove sufficient remains to be seen.
Users who want to limit Meta AI’s presence in their feeds have several options: muting @meta.ai, selecting “Not interested” on any Meta AI post, or hiding a Meta AI reply on their own posts.
Meta said it plans to gather feedback from the beta rollout and continue refining the feature before expanding it to additional users.
Source: TechCrunch